Head-On Crash Kills Annapolis Driver, Injures Four

An Annapolis driver was killed when his SUV apparently crossed into the opposite lane of traffic and crashed into a car head-on, authorities say.

The fatal accident happened just after 5 p.m. Wednesday on Furnace Branch Road near Ritchie Street in Glen Burnie.

Investigators say a black Toyota 4Runner driven by Arthur Lee Owens, 54, of 153 Island View Drive in Annapolis, was eastbound on Furnace Branch Road when it crossed the center line. Owens’ SUV was struck head-on by a gray Volkswagen Passat, causing the Toyota to overturn.

Owens was declared dead at the scene by Fire Department personnel, according to Anne Arundel County Police.

The Volkswagen’s driver Angie L. Rucker, 40, of 861 Bentwillow Drive in Glen Burnie, was taken to Harbor Hospital. Passengers in Rucker’s vehicle were: Maria Caprio, 9, who was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital, while passengers Evan Rucker, 10, and Jaden Rucker, 8, were both taken to Harbor Hospital. All suffered minor injuries, police say.

The preliminary cause of the crash appears to be Owens’ failure to remain right of center, police said.

There were no signs of excessive speed or alcohol use and all occupants appeared to have been properly seat-belted.